Karen S Lapesarde, MD

I had a very uncomfortable experience with Dr Lapesarde that I think people should know about. I was referred to her by a friend and the way she treated me shows a complete disrespect for humanity. She is brash, haughty and lacks the human touch. I would not trust somebody of her caliber and character with my health.

Karen is the best gynecologist I have ever had.
She somehow cures my anxiety and understands how to truly cure something. She doesn’t just quickly prescribe you a basic medicine and say bye. She gave prescribed me 3 different medicines as well as emailed me a book to buy to maintain myself. It completely cured my problem. I have recommended her to my friends and family as well. Also, she is very matter of fact which is so nice that these people still exist! She doesn’t exaggerate anything good or bad– and she is very level headed. She’s just the best!

Heard great things about the doctor… too bad the people answering calls and making appointments are rude and not up to date with the current healthcare system practices!

After reading other reviews, I was pleasantly surprised by my experience with Dr. Lapesarde. There was no wait whatsoever and I was seen promptly by Karen. I explained my issues and she talked me through my options and how we could move forward and listened carefully to my concerns. She is very direct and to the point but very nice. We chatted for a while about family and she walked me out to the front desk to make sure the receptionist followed up regarding my next visit. No complaints here!

Stay away. During my first pregnancy Dr Lapesarde yelled at me on the phone, told me I was a nervous person and then hung up on me. Very unprofessional — changed OB-​GYNs right after that. I am surprised she still has any patients.

I’ve had a breathtaking run of bad experiences with medical professionals recently, and finding an OB/​GYN covered by my (sucky) insurance was challenging, to put it mildly. Given that Dr. Lapesarde is in my network, I expected her to suck, and she didn’t. At all.
She spent a considerable amount of time with me – she got to know me a bit before she addressed my specific concerns — and she answered all of my questions. She went above and beyond, and she helped me to feel comfortable in an uncomfortable situation.
I’ll expand on this further after I’ve seen Dr. Lepasarde again, but I’m thrilled to have found a doctor that I trust.

These reviews almost scared me away from a great gynecological exam. I’m not a massive fan of checkups/doctor’s office etc. and my experience made me so comfortable! Dr. Lapersarde is quick and to the point and I enjoy that.
She’s got a quick wit and lots of patience.
I wanted to get in, find out what was wrong and get out and that’s what happened. She even went over preventative treatment with me before I left so that I could think it over.
Don’t let negative reviews sway you from having a very nice experience.
She ran every test imaginable and I thank her for her thoroughness.

Dr. Lapesarde is the best! She pays attention, she’s thorough and if you are someone who takes an active role in your care and treatment, she’s the right physician for you. Highest recommendation.

I was freaking out and Dr Karen and her staff helped me! Jonathan who answers the phones was professional and courteous. He got me in when I thought I had to see a OBGYN in an emergency. He made sure I understood my insurance coverage before I even showed up. DR Karen made sure I did not leave her office with any anxiety. Professional fast and knowledge, thank you so much for being a great doctor.

This is my very first review and I am only writing this to help you avoid a truly awful experience.
I went in because I was having bad cramps. My mom, who is also an OB/​GYN, said I should maybe get a pelvic ultrasound. I went to Dr. Lapesarde and told her what my mom had suggested. The Doctor decided to send me to Cedars and ordered me a Pelvic Ultra Sound.
After my visit to Cedars, I received a bill from cedars saying I owed $ 930 (my insurance was billed $ 3,000). The bill was for two separate ultrasounds, one vaginal ultrasound and one abdominal ultrasound. I called the Dr. Lapesarde to ask if they had ordered two separate ultrasounds and all the doctor could tell me was that she ordered a «pelvic ultrasound». Her office staffer kept repeating it over and over again. This unfortunately didn’t answer my question because I didn’t know if a pelvic ultrasound included both vaginal and abdominal. I asked what a pelvic ultrasound entailed and the doctor was unable to tell me what a pelvic ultrasound was. I was even told by the doctor that I should ask my mom to explain what the procedure was. This was absolutely shocking since I was Dr. Lapesarde’s patient. Dr. Lapesarde then proceeded to hang up on me. I called back because I wasn’t sure if we lost connection but she picked up and hung up once again.
I still am extremely confused as to why Dr. Lapesarde was unable to explain what a pelvic ultrasound was and why I was being billed for two different procedures.
After speaking with my mom, I now know that a pelvic ultrasound is only a vaginal ultrasound and not an abdominal one. I now have to try to find out why two different procedures were done and why my doctor, Dr. Lapesarde, couldn’t explain the procedure to me. It’s a scary thought but I’m pretty sure she has no clue what a pelvic ultrasound is.

I have always felt incredibly well provided for and in good hands here. She is extremely professional and her entire staff is very efficient and friendly. I have been a patient of hers for over five years and highly recommend her as a gynecologist. I suggest parking on the street if possible, the downstairs parking lot is a little complicated and expensive.

I am giving this doctor 1 star just for a clean office, however DO NOT GO TO THIS DOCTOR!!! She is awful! I don’t write many reviews, but I feel very strong about this! I am pregnant with my first and at my first appointment I had many questions, but it seemed as if she was in a hurry and I had to keep stopping her from exiting the room. She is upfront about things which I don’t mind, but she is very rude. I understand that women should educate themselves when having a baby, but she expects you to know everything. She talked down to me one day because she said I wasn’t drinking enough water and said that all her patients are adults, she doesn’t see children so I needed to stop acting like one. I was in shock! She was very unprofessional. The only time she took her time with me was when my husband came to a visit with me. Her front desk person– Jonathan is also the worst! Always in a hurry on the phone and you don’t know if he’s going to be in a good mood or not. I also didn’t receive an official ultra sound until 4 months! She never gave me a due date. And she never went over test results with me. I also received a bill in the mail for $ 200 for the tests she provided and they never let me know this. I gave up and left — switched to an OB at Cedars down the street. What a difference! On the first appointment the doctor sat with us, had a packet for first time moms, FAQs and provided instructions how to register at the hospital. The front desk person was nice and professional and not in a rush! I was so relieved I changed. Also I had an official ultra sound there in the office and I was given pictures. Lapasarde doesn’t have any equipment to do this or doesn’t sit down with you to talk about anything. She does not make you feel welcomed. Negatives about her office are: restrooms are outside not located in her office and community so they are dirty. Also her office only accepts cash, and when I paid with a $ 20 they asked to keep the change for my next visit (my co pay is $ 10) because they don’t give change! One time she also walked me back out but kept talking about my business in into the waiting room In front of other patients. I was so embarrassed! The quality in service is ridiculously awful for a doctor in Beverly Hills… I only went to her because I was referred however I want to make sure I don’t refer her any other clients!

This is my second year going to Dr. Lapesarde and I’m really happy I found this place. I’ve been going to Kaiser my entire life — with the same doctor for about ten years — and a year and a half ago my insurance changed and I found myself having to find a new doc.
I visited other offices and I was at a lost. I was surprised how old fashion so many doctors were. Some of them didn’t even use email! I work a 9 – 6 job and making appts is so difficult because so many locations close at 4 or 5. The entire experience was becoming my worst nightmare.
The first time I came in to this office I was given a tablet to enter all my information. Great sign that this doc might be the one! It was very easy to use and to navigate. Everyone was very nice and Dr. Lapesarde was very professional and pleasant. After my appointment I received my follow up calls just as I was told I would.
She reminded me of my old doctor. Really good at making you feel welcomed but straight forward when it comes down to business. My most recent visit was just as good. It was nice to see that she remembered a few things from a conversation we had a year ago!
Parking seems to be an issue for many but we live in LA. Parking is always an issue, get over it. I arrived 15 minute before my appointment and I had plenty of time to look for street parking. Just make sure you read the signs carefully.

Not very knowledgeable
I really don’t care about the facility (it was clean and nice if you must know), the staff (Jonathan was actually VERY nice to me), where the bathroom is located, and whether or not the doctor will sweet talk me. What is important, however, is 1) co pays cannot be paid by credit or debit card so keep this in mind, 2) they don’t bill correctly (which is more of an office problem) 3) the doctor orders unnecessary tests without your knowledge 4) the doctor does not listen to the patient (she told me to take a medication that exacerbates my condition, so she is not thorough), 5) she did not answer my questions 6) she was very rough (exams SHOULD be uncomfortable, but not painful especially for some one who has a high tolerance for pain) 7) and the doctor should not raise her voice in a threatening manner to the patient or her staff. Once again, I don’t mind a doctor being cut and dry– I don’t have time to waste, but one should be professional and knowledgeable. She was not. I brought a family member with me to the appointment to stay with my son in the waiting room, and she said the same thing– unprofessional and very rude doctor. I see some positive ratings here, so I guess she does act normal at times. If you’re willing to gamble your luck, go ahead. You were warned. The ones who like her are either lucky or have terribly low standards. I see many of the positive reviewers making fun of those who had bad experiences. It’s no wonder they and the doc got along…

Most of the reviews on here don’t discuss the care or results and that is what matters to me. Yes she is direct and doesn’t beat around the bush but I have always received answers and I would prefer for someone to get to the point. The staff is super friendly. Yes the batroom is down the hall and you have to carry it in a tupperware box but there is usually no one on the top floor anyway also every dr. I have been to in LA does not validate parking including my surgeon, pcp and dentist so I expect to pay for parking, go early and find meter.

I went to see Dr. Lapesarde Yesterday. She agreed to see me with little to no notice. That was great of her! That is the best thing about my visit. 1 stars for her flexibility. The bathroom for urine samples is on another side and outdoors. which can be odd and somewhat embarrassing as you hold your urine up and walk past the mens room and around the hall and back. Also — the office had a VERY strong pro-​life vibe in case that may be an issue for you.
UPDATE —–
Today she gave me a call and I let her know that I didnt really need to see a gyno at the moment but she was very nice and let me know about some blood deficiencies I had. She did say that she was going to run some tests — I hope insurance covers it because I do not want to pay extra.
UPDATE –
they «go ahead and run tests» without checking if its covered by your insurance and claim that «we dont bill you for anything, just the LAB BILLS YOU»
WHYYYYYYY WOULD YOU NOT CHECK MY INSURANCE AND LET ME KNOW IF SOMETHING WILL COME OUT OF MY POCKET PRIOR TO RUNNING A TEST!!!

I felt compelled to write this after an interesting experience, that I think may help others on this rather polarizing office and doctor :) It seems many on here have issues w her or her staff being «brash», their demeanor or professionalism, and the office wait & set up.
I recently got a new job & new insurance that no longer had my beloved long time OBGYN in network. I was crushed but in need of a new pill RX so I quickly looked up the first female I found in network on this new plan — and Dr Lapesarde. Somehow I didn’t think twice about booking my appt before doing much recon, knowing I just needed my quick annual appt and prescription.
Driving over I had a quick question for her office, so googled the name on my phone to find their number. And came across this Unilocal page. Gulp. I was driving up La Cienega, sitting at a light flying through bad review after bad review, wondering what I got myself into. Too late to back out now, it’s just an annual appt.
I wouldn’t say it was the warmest room when I walked in, but what dr’s office is. The bldg is outdated, the bathroom (yes outside down the hall) to collect the urine sample is far from glam, and Jonathan at her front desk definitely got a little testy with me when I had him repeat a question. «Oh god, the reviews were right» I kept thinking. I also watched the clock tick by at as it was almost an hour waiting before I was in the room with Dr Lapesarde. Again — all of this sounds bad yes? OK — not great, but here’s why I still give her 4 stars.
When she came in to greet me, she had a funny, almost east coast way about her and kept commenting on how beautiful my name was and telling sort of wacky stories about the strange music the office was playing. But she quickly cut to the chase on what I was there for — other than that wait, once we had our face to face, I found her to the point, and not in an abrasive way. And her «brash» demeanor everyone comments on here — I find that no bullshit brings me comfort in knowing she’s there to do her job and comfortable enough to get right to it. She and her staff were NOT rude, nor was my experience a bad one. More importantly, she had smart recommendations for me as I’m about to get married, and went through what other tests would be covered should I want to get everything checked out to be «good and healthy for that wedding» in January.
This is my very long winded way of saying, don’t let those reviews on here fool you — yes if you need coddled and a softie, talk in a quiet voice about your vagina and not asking hard hitting questions she needs to know kind of dr… maybe she’s not for you. But seriously, I’d rather have someone who knows their stuff, comes in with a laugh, and gets me the information I need and some I didn’t know I needed in speedy fashion.
And — to one last «let’s get real» factor & girls not being so touchy… she had suggestions on ways to cut weight or minimize weight gain on a new pill before the wedding, and wasn’t rude here either. She was matter of fact about things and what works & what doesn’t — but for those complaining about «comments» she made, stop being so sensitive and maybe listen to your doctor’s advice. Maybe not for everyone but I wanted to share my experience for those on the fence after these reviews!

I honestly don’t understand why everyone here is so angry and bitter. I don’t think the reviews are accurate at all.
Dr. Lapesarde is a wonderful, sweet, and most importantly knowledgable doctor. She is a no nonsense kind of doc so if you can’t handle that maybe she’s not for you… But if you’re looking for a doctor who knows her stuff, and keeps you feeling calm during all your womanly needs she’s it. I have nothing but great things to say about her!
Also, Jonathan (front desk) is a doll. I harass him all the time with questions and he’s nothing but sweet and helpful. Even the nurse is amazing and super knowledgable.
Don’t believe the bs by overly sensitive people… Dr. Lapesarde is the real deal!

She had offered a genetic screening test and said that my insurance would cover it, the most I would have to pay was 99 $. And I trusted her, as that is what I had been accustomed to doing in the past with my health care professionals. I just received a bill in the mail saying it was not covered by my insurance, and will cost me $ 2000.
Since now it didn’t appear to be a necessary test, it’s most likely she received some sort of commission for pushing me to take it.
Oh, lets not forget after the 3 week wait my current OB had to get my records from the date I asked her to forward them… my new OB revealed to me that I had abnormal results on some of my testing. Dr Lapasarde said nothing to me about this at any of my visits, nor was there any call made to me to discuss this. At this point, I’m assuming she didn’t even look at my test results.
Thanks for nothing, Dr Lapasarde!

Listen up! Dr. Karen Lapesarde is the BEST OB GYN I have ever had. I’m keeping it 100 for ya’ll. I don’t know what is up with the previous reviews, blasting her and saying her bedside manners and the guy at the front are weak and not up to their standards. Let me break this down for you…
First of all, Jonathan who is at the front desk when you walk in is VERY nice and kind. He has you sign your name and then gives you a urine cup and you go pee in it. The restrooms are outside, so what, it doesn’t take long to get in… pee and walk back to the office. Heck I did this at EVERY visit and I was pregnant! Her office is small and it is NOT like the DMV like the person had said… seriously? No because you be there at your scheduled appointment and the wait is NOT long unless your dumb ass arrived late. I was ALWAYS on time and saw Dr. Lapesarde after I peed in that cup. Jonathan and Doctor answer your questions, so I don’t know what that girl was tripping about? She must have been on her period.
Anyways, I’ve been seeing Dr. Lapesarde since January of this year. First was my annual pap and the continuous months was because I was pregnant with my first daughter. I didn’t want to share this personal information with the public but I have to write an honest review about a really terrific Doctor and Staff! I can’t let some people sit on here and bash her because of ridiculous requests and expectancies. Let’s just say that Dr. Lapesarde is very thorough and direct. She always answered my questions and we also had side conversations. Granted, you can’t just sit there and shoot the breeze with her because it is a Doctor’s office and she does have scheduled patients after. Like I had said before, her office is small, has a waiting area, but if you are ON TIME, then you wouldn’t be waiting like the DMV. Her office is clean and what more can I say is that its a OB GYN office.
–You set your appointment with staff.
–Get there on time.
–Have your questions ready to ask and see Dr. Lapesarde.
–Get your exam done and leave unless you have follow ups.
I want to reiterate that I saw Dr. Lapesarde from January of this year to current. She has been a WONDERFUL, COMPASSIONATE and PROFESSIONAL OB GYN throughout my entire pregnancy up to giving birth to a beautiful baby girl on 11÷12÷13!!! Dr. Lapesarde was my Surgeon for my C-​section and she did a great job! The healing process has been quick and I am so happy Dr. Lapesarde was there throughout everything! I am still seeing her for post-​preg follow ups. I guess you can say that we have developed a good Doctor and Patient relationship and just so you know for all those negative reviewers complaining about her beside manners… blah blah… she has a great personality and is humorous! She doesn’t sugar coat anything and I liked this. She kept me calm during my L&D with her jokes.
I would strongly recommend my OB GYN but not for the sensitive butt hurt type of patients who have high expectations and criticize everything that isn’t to their liking… this isn’t a spa! Oh btw, I delivered at Cedars Sinai. what a great hospital and with wonderful nurses.
*If this review sounds all over, so what! I am a first time mother and caring for a 1 month. I am super busy but I just wanted to write my review and give my experience and feed back.
You can’t trust all the 1 or 2 star reviews and go see for yourself. Oh yeah and if you are to get prescription medications, they will send you to the Pharmacy on the first floor… the owner and staff are REALLY nice! I got to know the owner for the past 9 months and we even exchanged baby pictures!
Thanks for reading!